Small businesses are just as vulnerable because cyberattacks don’t necessarily start with dramatic activity or highly sophisticated hackers. They commonly start with an ordinary action like an employee clicking on a link they deem to be ok, or the reuse of a compromised password. An attack can also begin by simply sending information to the wrong person or failing to update company software.
It may only take seconds to make a mistake, but the consequences can affect a small business for months and even years.
Imagine an employer receives an email that appears to be genuine and from a colleague or trusted supplier. Everything about the email looks fine – the branding, the tone of language and the nature of the email. It asks the employee to log in urgently. As that employee is busy and under pressure, they hastily click on the link and enter the requested details.
Without realising it, they have just handed a cybercriminal vital credentials.
This cybercriminal may now be able to access critical company systems, confidential emails and sensitive customer information. From here, they might be able to monitor conversations, impersonate other employees or send further phishing emails from legitimate business addresses.
The immediate impact of a breach can be felt across the business operations. Employees can lose access to the systems they need to work from, while customers and suppliers may be unable to safely communicate with the business.
Recovering from such a cyber incident can be expensive. A business may need cybersecurity specialists to investigate the incident, restore systems and determine exactly what information has seen compromised. Depending on the nature and type of industry the business is operating within, it could face legal costs, regulatory action and compensation claims.
However, damage isn’t just felt financially. It can severely impact a company’s reputation, breaking the trust customers have in them to protect their personal information.
Cybercriminals frequently target employees because manipulating someone can be easier than directly attacking a well protected system.
They exploit opportunities in busy departments with genuine looking emails that are becoming increasingly difficult to identify. AI tools are helping cybercriminals to create more polished looking emails without the spelling mistakes that have long been a tell tale sign that the email is suspicious.
Employees therefore need the knowledge and confidence to recognise suspicious activity.
Regular cybersecurity awareness training can help employees identify phishing attempts, unexpected attachments and unusual requests. Training is practical, engaging and is best repeated throughout the year so it isn’t treated as a one off exercise.
Most importantly, employees must feel comfortable reporting mistakes to their line manager immediately. Someone who has clicked a suspicious link may stay silent because they feel embarrassed or worried about being to blame, but the longer they stay silent, the more time the attackers have to explore systems and steal information.
Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. Technology provides vital defences, but alert employees who are aware of the dangers lurking in their inbox are just as important.
One careless click can create a major data breach.
One careful and considered pause, verification call or prompt check can prevent it.
By combining secure technology with a workforce who is cyber aware, businesses can reduce risk and respond effectively when something goes wrong.
At Fifteen Group, we deliver cybersecurity awareness training that is update to date with the latest techniques that criminals are using, making the sessions informative, engaging and highly effective.
Educate, motivate and build cyber security awareness, so your teams can become part of your cyber security solution.
